In a stunning turn of events following the 2025 RBC Canadian Open, Rory McIlroy, the reigning Masters champion and World No. 2, sparked controversy with a bold statement about the tournament’s winner, Ryan Fox. McIlroy, who struggled at the event with a second-round 78 and missed the cut, reportedly claimed that Fox’s victory at TPC Toronto was “largely random and lucky,” downplaying the New Zealander’s achievement. The remarks, which came as a surprise given McIlroy’s typically diplomatic demeanor, sent shockwaves through the golfing community. However, Fox, fresh off his second PGA Tour win of the season, delivered a cold and calculated response that left McIlroy speechless and intensified the drama surrounding the event.
McIlroy’s comments, allegedly made during a post-tournament interview, suggested that Fox’s playoff victory over Sam Burns was more a product of fortunate breaks than consistent skill. “Golf can be a funny game sometimes,” McIlroy is quoted as saying. “Ryan played well, but you look at some of the bounces he got and the way things fell into place—it felt more like luck than anything else.” While McIlroy acknowledged Fox’s talent, his emphasis on randomness raised eyebrows, especially given his own lackluster performance at the Canadian Open, where he failed to advance past the cut line at +4.
Fox, who secured the title with a clutch performance in the playoff, did not take kindly to McIlroy’s remarks. In a press conference shortly after, the 38-year-old New Zealander responded with a measured but pointed retort that silenced his critic. “I don’t think Rory was out there on the course with me,” Fox said coolly. “If he thinks it was luck, he’s welcome to try and make those shots himself. I hit the shots I needed to win, and I’m proud of how I got it done.” Fox’s response, delivered with calm confidence, was widely praised for its restraint and sharpness, effectively shutting down McIlroy’s critique without escalating the feud further.
The exchange has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning McIlroy’s motives for making such a claim. McIlroy, a two-time Canadian Open champion (2019, 2022), has long been a fan favorite in Canada, but his recent comments have drawn criticism from those who feel he undermined Fox’s hard-fought victory. Others speculate that McIlroy’s frustration may stem from his own disappointing performance at TPC Toronto, a course that demanded precision and power, areas where he typically excels but fell short this time. His missed cut, combined with the pressure of defending his Masters title and navigating golf’s ongoing tensions with rival leagues like LIV Golf, may have contributed to his uncharacteristic outburst.
Fox’s victory, far from random, was a testament to his resilience and skill. The New Zealander navigated a competitive field that included top players like Sam Burns, Cameron Young, and Shane Lowry, ultimately prevailing in a playoff to claim the $9.8 million purse and exemptions into the 2026 Masters and The Open Championship. His performance at TPC Toronto’s North Course, which played firm and fast due to warm weather, showcased his ability to handle challenging conditions and execute under pressure.
The golfing world is now watching closely to see if McIlroy will address Fox’s response or if the two will cross paths at upcoming events, such as the U.S. Open. For now, Fox’s composed rebuttal has shifted the narrative, earning him respect for handling the situation with class while putting McIlroy’s comments under scrutiny. As the PGA Tour season progresses, this moment is likely to remain a talking point, highlighting the fine line between competitive banter and personal critique in professional golf.
